You just bought your first place! Congrats! But now that means you have to deal with landscaping. Don’t let it put you into a panic, says Linda Jensen, who heads Arrowwood Landscape Design, Inc in northern Virginia. She shares some tips for even the most novice of greenthumb:
- Identify what is growing in your yard: Look on further than your own computer. Visit reputable websites such as those of agricultural universities and country extension offices (not blogs). By learning what plants you have, you can find out how to take care of it.
- Install a irrigation system: Jensen says this is the best thing you can do for your lawn. Your land is measured to ensure that everything gets the right amount of water. And you can set it so you don’t have to think twice abou it
- Stay away from pruners: Pruning is part art and part science, Jensen says. That’s what it’s best to leave that to the professional.
- Realize that weeds are inevitable: People have the hardest time with weeds, Jensen says. She likens them to dust-no matter how much you dust, it always comes back. The same goes for weeds.
- Know when to call in the professionals: At some point, you’ll need to call in a professional. Even if you are on a budget, a landscaper can start a project for you and you can finish the rest
